When you are struggling with anything in life — let alone with substance abuse — it can be easy to isolate yourself. Sometimes you may feel like you just need a break; however, isolation and giving yourself a break are two very different things with different outcomes. Isolation means you are limiting yourself and imposing restrictions while taking a break means giving yourself space and time to think, feel, and process.
Is Isolation Ever a Healthy Thing During Recovery?
Isolation is unhealthy and unproductive in relationships and recovery. Isolating yourself sets the stage for poor mental health, consequently jeopardizing sobriety. Healthy connections and relationships are imperative to recovery success, so distancing yourself from others does not support healing.
How Can Isolation Negatively Impact Recovery?
Isolation is detrimental to recovery and makes you vulnerable to relapse. Isolation as a coping mechanism only makes things harder. A significant part of recovery is learning how to avoid seclusion, challenging yourself to spend time with your support group, and utilizing alternative coping skills.
When you isolate yourself in recovery, you risk relapse through boredom, depression, and loneliness. Managing life rather than avoiding it is the key to success. So challenge yourself by making healthy decisions that may be out of your comfort zone because it will strengthen your journey and relationships with your support system.
The Benefits of Giving Yourself Space During Recovery
Giving yourself space in recovery is not the same thing as isolation. When you take time for yourself, it gives you time to evaluate your circumstances, such as your outside connections and your internal reflections of things. Healing and reflection are only possible through space and time for self-reflection. During this time, you can focus on a positive mindset and the positive direction you are going in. Taking a break means digesting all the new tools you have learned and implementing them into your life.
Isolation is the enemy in recovery and sets the stage for a potential relapse. Recovery can be lonely enough as it is; self-isolation only makes matters worse. When you feel the need to isolate yourself, it is vital to reach out to a loved one or your support group. Challenge yourself to spend quality time with those who support your recovery. At The Guest House, we understand how critical supportive relationships are and want to help. If you’re struggling to manage healthy relationships and spending too much time alone, call (855) 483-7800 today.